The Secret Realm of Western Yunnan! The Ultimate Self-Drive and Hiking Guide to Peacock Mountain’s Golden Autumn Forests

Drive eight hundred miles just to meet Peacock Mountain’s golden autumn! From the Lancang River Valley at 2000 meters elevation to the nearly 4000-meter mountain pass, red leaves, firs, pine forests, and grasslands intertwine—off the beaten path yet stunning. This guide tells you all about the joy of self-driving plus hiking! 1. Self-Drive Route 🚘 Peacock Mountain is hidden at the border of Diqing and Nujiang, with the Degong Highway running through it, known as Yunnan’s “Bingchacha.” - Starting from the hot dry valley of the Lancang River in Yunling Township, Deqin, the elevation quickly rises. At the No.4 hairpin turn, you can overlook the majestic Baima Snow Mountain; - Continuing forward, you’ll unlock the surprise of fifty miles of colorful forests, with snow mountains reflecting in streams, colorful forests surrounding waterfalls—every snapshot is a romantic autumn scene; - Before the entrance to the Peacock Mountain Tunnel, turn left onto the old road and reach Peacock Mountain Pass (hiking start point) in 10 minutes; descend the mountain along the old winding road, the red leaves on the Gongshan side are equally eye-catching. After another 15 minutes, you’ll reach the tunnel exit, from where you can return to Deqin County or continue toward Nujiang·Gongshan. 2. Hiking Route 👣 Park your car at Peacock Mountain Pass and set off along the trail beside the prayer flags! - Along the way, you’ll encounter several shimmering small lakes called the “Tianxing Twelve Lakes” by locals. On sunny days, the lakes reflect the jagged rocky mountains, like stepping into a real-life Zelda—hidden yet magnificent; - Climb the mountain trail beside the lakes, pass through alpine rhododendron forests, and enjoy panoramic views of the Tianxing Twelve Lakes, as well as the spectacular Biluo Snow Mountain and Gaoligong Mountain; - The round trip is 4.5 km with an elevation of 3800+ meters. The first kilometer has a slight uphill, then the terrain levels out. Walking slowly is easy, even beginners can handle it. It’s recommended to download the route map in advance or follow the tire tracks to avoid getting lost. 3. Trip Combinations 💡 - Easy version: Combine Peacock Mountain with Cizhong Church and Guzha Hot Springs for a day of diverse scenery; - In-depth version: After visiting Baima Snow Mountain/Meili Snow Mountain/Yubeng, travel along the Degong Highway to Bingzhongluo/Dulong River/Nujiang Grand Canyon to capture all the beauty of western Yunnan. 4. Accommodation Guide 🏡 For an immersive experience of the scenery around Peacock Mountain, we recommend staying at the well-known nearby guesthouse “Deqin Jixiashan·Meili SUNYATA Hotel,” which is close to the self-drive route. You can enjoy a wild luxury lodging experience and conveniently start your next day’s journey. 5. Other Notes ⚠️ - Viewing time: The colorful forest and red leaf season is from late October to late November, with early to mid-November being the best viewing period; the southern slope (Gongshan side) is warmer, so the red leaf season is slightly later there; - Photo tips: Peacock Mountain faces west, so the afternoon light on sunny days is best for shooting colorful forests and snow mountains; - Driving safety: The Degong Highway has many curves and narrow roads, so slow down when driving; the old road at Peacock Mountain Pass (Gongshan side) is in poor condition with large potholes, so novice drivers are advised to use the Deqin side both ways; in rainy or snowy weather, the old road may be closed due to thick snow and slippery conditions, so the tunnel is safer.